General Maintainer / Labourer
School Facilities Department
Job Description

Position Title: General Maintainer / Labourer
Section: School Facilities
Classification: Trades 1 – NSUPE
Date: June 30, 2003
Reports to: Facilitators, Materials Management

Job Summary:

The General Maintainer/Labourer contributes to the effective operation of the Physical Plants within the Halifax Regional School Board. Responsible for general labourer duties, assisting trades staff and movement of materials and equipment. These duties include work of general maintenance competence, physical capability, and troubleshooting aptitude. The position is responsible to the Facilitator, Materials Management and takes direction during shifts from on duty supervisors.

Competencies Required:

The General Maintainer/Labourer, School Facilities Department of the Halifax Regional School Board, shall have the following competencies:

1. The ability to work and communicate effectively within a team environment;
2. The ability to support and communicate effectively within the various sites, School Facilities Department, other Departments of the Halifax Regional School Board, and third parties including students, school staff, parents, and outside entities;
3. The ability to organize and employ writing skills of the nature required to effectively communicate with the Board and external service providers;
4. An understanding of, and ability to carry out, policies and procedures developed by the School Facilities Department and the Board;
5. The ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics and building code specifications, and diagrams for installation and repair of building systems and equipment;
6. The ability to prioritize in the scheduling of work requirements;
7. A working knowledge of building and systems to conduct general maintenance and repairs, including emergency response that does not include journey trade certification;
8. The desire and ability to engage in continuing education and skills upgrading;
9. The ability to understand and promote confidentiality as the norm;
10. The ability to apply knowledge, experience and commitment in the areas of race relations, cross cultural understanding and human rights;
11. A knowledge of applicable regulatory, building and trades guidelines and codes;
12. Knowledge of material storage on vehicles and transportation procedures;
13. The ability to work within a team or individually, as required, with minimal supervision;
14. The ability to maintain a professional appearance and attitude on the job;
15. Knowledge of Health and Safety procedures, which include fire and emergency plans, and Department of Environment and Labour procedures.

Qualifications:

1. Grade 12 High School Diploma or academic equivalent through educational programs such as a Graduated Equivalent Diploma;
2. Valid Nova Scotia driver’s license and excellent driving record;
3. Minimum one (1) year experience in the building and systems repair, renovation and maintenance directly and/or assisting journeypersons with provincial Certificate of Qualifications;
4. Physical and mechanical aptitude to perform a full range of maintenance and manual labour tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Performs a broad range of general labour services within the School Facilities Department of HRSB.

1. Assist all trades and staff including plumbers, burner technicians, carpenters, painters, mason, floor finisher, and electricians in support of a complete maintenance program within HRSB;
2. Performs duties such as window mechanism repairs, lubricating doors, tile and rug removal, boiler tube cleaning, securing buildings, emergency water shut off, roof drain cleaning, ceiling tile replacement, air filter changing, removal of roof debris, replacement of lights, minor driveway and walkway repairs, ceiling tile replacement, catch basin maintenance;
3. Loads, transports, and unloads planned furniture, equipment, books, risers and other material requested and approved within facilities of the Board;
4. Performs daily vehicle operational checks and maintains assigned vehicle in an orderly manner. Notifies and schedules through supervisor vehicle maintenance;
5. Accurately completes and documents work orders prior to submission to supervisor. Provides written reports on any inspections and/or tests and makes recommendation to improve performance;
6. Makes recommendations and determines potential work time for planned furniture and equipment moves;
7. Responsible to assume work duties on systems and equipment, or perform various tasks normally designated to other department members when required;
8. Perform snow and ice control duties such as salting, shovelling walkways, roofs, and driveways as required;
9. Operates power tools, and cleans, maintains, and stores equipment after use;
10. Maintains clean and orderly conditions in all working areas, including shop, vehicle, and school sites;
11. Maintains current knowledge of all school, department and HRSB policies and procedures including occupational health, safety, personnel, attendance, work routines, collective agreement, fire and emergency plans;
12. Ensures duties are performed in a fiscally responsible manner while observing all safety practices and regulations;
13. Performs other operational duties as required.

Work Environment (Equipment, Demands, Hazards):

1. Ability and dexterity in use of various manual and powered hand tools and with manual labour tasks;
2. Must be able to use various equipment such as ladders, staging, and man lifts;
3. Ability to safely and properly operate HRSB vans and trucks;
4. Job requires predominately walking and standing. Normal work time spent indoors with occasional outdoor periods above or below normal temperatures etc;
5. Periods of high levels of physical exertion are needed. This includes heavy lifting (50+ lbs.) walking, bending, pushing large loads, carrying, stooping, reaching, standing on ladders, shovelling etc;
6. A neat and tidy personal appearance must be maintained. Board identification must be worn;
7. May work in small spaces and in areas with equipment such as boilers, mechanical rooms, storage rooms, and ventilation units;
8. Work evenings, days and weekends as required. Hours of work and terms of employment subject to collective agreement, including callback and overtime, eight or ten hour shifts.